MONTGOMERY (Governor’s Office) — Governor Robert Bentley has approved sending an additional Alabama National Guard UH-72 helicopter and pilot to Marana, Arizona to assist with protecting the U.S. border with Mexico.

In April, the Governor honored the National Guard Bureau’s first request to send one UH-72 helicopter and three pilots to support the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency’s Southwest Border Mission. While deployed, the ALNG personnel and aircraft will be supporting civilian law enforcement and U.S. Border Patrol agencies in securing the border.

“I continue to support strengthening our borders and this will give the Alabama National Guard an opportunity to gain valuable experience in the fight to protect our country,” Governor Bentley said. “I am honored to once again support the Southwest Border Mission by sending Alabama’s finest to protect the great people of the United State of America.”

Major General Perry Smith, Adjutant General of the Alabama National Guard, deployed the requested support immediately. The requested personnel will be needed through the month of September.

“The Alabama National Guard is serving as a force multiplier to civilian law enforcement and U.S. Border Patrol agencies in securing the Southwest Border. We are proud to contribute to the security of our nation by supporting this mission with aircraft and personnel,” Maj. Gen. Smith said.

The ALNG currently has three UH-72 aircraft in Alabama. The state will be supported by the remaining two crews and aircrafts. The Southwest Border Team will perform all maintenance of the aircraft at no cost to the state while deployed.